Report: Knicks players respect Rambis less than Fisher
Phil Jackson's coaching shuffle apparently hasn't had the intended effect.
Dismissing Derek Fisher and subsequently promoting Kurt Rambis to interim head coach hasn't translated to a more cohesive locker room inside Madison Square Garden, according to Marc Berman of the New York Post.
"Players don't respect Rambis with the same vigor as they did Fisher," reports Berman, citing sources.
Superstar Carmelo Anthony has reportedly been "lukewarm" toward Rambis, while Arron Afflalo has publicly traded barbs with the coach over the past week.
Rambis has also toyed with the idea of changing Kristaps Porzingis' position. He suggested putting the Knicks phenom at small forward, and has largely deployed him at power forward while chiding the rookie's shot selection.
Fisher took the Knicks to a 23-31 record this season before getting canned. Under Rambis' stewardship, the team has posted a mark of 8-16.
Despite the drop-off, reports suggest that Jackson wants Rambis to retain the job for the upcoming 2016-17 season. Rambis was a longtime assistant under Jackson during their time with the Los Angeles Lakers, and replacement candidates such as Luke Walton and Tom Thibodeau might be unavailable.
At 31-47, the Knicks will miss the playoffs for the third straight season.